I like Augustin and I think we should go after him. His size is an issue, but he's got great play making skills, and has a really nice shot. He's already used to the half court offensive game by playing in Charlotte, so I think that would work well under Casey.

He's got a really good assist/to ratio. His stats (this year) are actually very comparable to Felton, but is three years younger.

He's no stud like DWill, CPaul or Rondo, but he may be a better guy to get for a reasonable price ($7-$8M/yr) than hoping to get someone like Kabongo who could end up a bust.

Augustin could be a good #2 PG. More of a PG than Bayless, IMO, allowing JB to play more as a SG and just score off the bench. Courtney Lee sounds pretty good to me as well. By the way, I think the RFA window is now only 3 days with the new CBA.

That list is underwhelming. Restricted free agents are risky to chase after. We could sign Lee to an offer sheet, but then our space is tied up for a player we don't even have. Rockets wait 7 day's, all the other free agents we wanted sign with other teams, Rockets match.

Teams let players they want to keep hit RFA all the time. Sometimes at that point, they even encourage their guy to seek a contract elsewhere. Once market value is determined, they wait the full 7 day's, then match. It's something we should do with Derozan, even if we do want to keep him.

Outside of Beasley and Mayo whom would demand big bucks and starting roles I think there might be a few good players to look at filling out the bench. JJ Hickson might be a nice addition. Also have to take into consideration how to replace the points we'd lose if Barbosa moves onto another team after this season. I agree that this team is in bad need of starting calibre talent first, but all good teams have a good bench as well. I could see Hickson playing a Taj Gibson role for us off the bench.

I agree with most of you that these players are not likely starters. However, they are all still young players (obviously only being in the league for 3 years), and as the past shows Colangelo loves to roll the dice on young players with potential that need/want a change of scenery. Im thinking if we can sign two or three for cheap, to replace Gray, Butler and Magloire, than hopefully they can grow and become strong bench players who can start if others get hurt.

I think Augustin will be a very strong second PG, and if Calderon leaves (Via trade) then he could start for a year.
Mayo would be great if he is willing to come off the bench as well.

I would offer each of the players something like 4-5 Mill for 2-3 years, and see how they play. If they do not work out, I would assume there would still be some intrest left (although not as much) where we could get another decent player back.

I don't see us getting a star in Free agency, so getting a strong bench, with potential starters, while trying to get a star in the draft seems like a good option to me.

Augustin is playing great ball this season but I'm just not sold on his game yet...good shooter and rebounder, but his playmaking skills aren't great.

The best option for the Raps (unless he gets extended) is Nick Batum...Portland wants to resign G Wallace, so it doesn't look like they can retain both. And, Batum can come on a short and cheap deal if he does go to RFA because he hasn't proven himself to be worthy of a big contract, but has shown great potential and all around skill.

He would be an upgrade from what we have slotted at the 3 now that's for sure. Beasley could be nice but he's a loser..

I'd be happy giving up DeRozan, Amir, Barbosa and Bayless, to wind up with Mayo, Lee, SF from the draft lottery and a PG from late in the 1st round. This could be done in some combination of trade(s) and/or free agent signing(s), in addition to our own pick.

That list is underwhelming. Restricted free agents are risky to chase after. We could sign Lee to an offer sheet, but then our space is tied up for a player we don't even have. Rockets wait 7 day's, all the other free agents we wanted sign with other teams, Rockets match.

Teams let players they want to keep hit RFA all the time. Sometimes at that point, they even encourage their guy to seek a contract elsewhere. Once market value is determined, they wait the full 7 day's, then match. It's something we should do with Derozan, even if we do want to keep him.

I have some interest in Beasley as the starting SF. Beez may have struggled with maturity issues, but dude averaged 20+ points last year, as a decent rebounder as well. I think the best compliment to Bargs is a SF who is slightly oversized, and a great rebounder - like Beasley.

If options like Batum or Fields from FA, or Barnes or Kidd-Gilchrist in the draft are available, then i'm all about that ... but I don't think Beasley should be thrown out as an option.

The only way to bag a classy lady is to give her two tickets to the gun show... and see if she likes the goods.

I used to like Lee (back during his rookie year with Orlando), but he's been fairly quiet since then. Maybe he just overachieved playing with a good veteran team that made it to the finals.

I love the idea of acquiring Mayo, but who knows what the asking price would be. If he's traded this year, it appears Memphis is looking for a 1st round pick in exchange, and you can guarantee Colangelo won't be giving that up unless a superstar is on his way to Toronto (Rudy Gay?).

Augustine is a nice piece, but I don't see him being the PG to lead us to respectability. If we don't address the PG situation this summer, I don't mind rolling the dice with Calderon another season, and trying to land a PG in 2013.

Well he's playing behind Kevin Martin in Houston now and Houston for sometime has been like a better version of what we've been having to put up with in Toronto, that being a lot of average players(depth) but not much star power. They spread the PT out so much there that it's hard to get major bench minutes. Thankfully Toronto is moving away from the focus spreading the wealth out over 90% of the roster.

Nilanka wrote:

I'm still trying to figure out how we didn't end up with Beasley with the Bosh S&T...

I'm glad he's not here. Talent doesn't mean a thing if you don't have the professionalism, maturity or character.